Core Curriculum (2000-2002)

The Core Curriculum at South Texas Community College has, at its foundation, the philosophy and purpose of the College and is a composition of general education courses which form the foundation of all Associate of Arts and Associate of Science Degrees. These are degrees which are designed for students who plan to continue their education at a four-year university in order to earn a Bachelor of Fine Arts, Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree.
STCC is committed to the preparation of intellectually flexible, creative, and productive citizens. Through exposure to a varied range of disciplines and technologies, students will develop:

an understanding of the importance of lifelong learning
broad global and social perspectives
essential skills for tomorrow's workforce

The purpose of the Core Curriculum is to provide the foundation through which STCC students can continue to advance their competencies in reading, writing, speaking, mathematics, and critical thinking. This common body of essential knowledge and skills is taught and reinforced through courses selected in six Core Components: Communication, Mathematics, Natural Sciences, Humanities and Visual and Performing Arts, Social and Behavioral Sciences, and Computer Science.

Core Course Components

Communication
Mathematics
Natural Sciences
Humanities and Visual and Performing Arts
Social and Behavioral Sciences
Computer Science

*Humanities Elective Options

[ I ] COMMUNICATION

Composition / Written Communication
    6 credits
ENGL 1301   Composition
ENGL 1302   Rhetoric

Speech
    3 credits
SPCH 1311   Introduction to Speech Communication or
SPCH 1321   Business and Professional Speaking

The objective of a Composition / Written Communication and Speech Components of the Core Curriculum is to enable the student to write clear, correct prose and communicate in a style appropriate to the subject, occasion, and audience.

Through the Composition / Written Communication and Speech Components of the Core Curriculum, the competencies which the student will be able to demonstrate are to:

demonstrate writing as a process; this includes pre-writing and invention, writing, revision, editing and proofreading;
demonstrate the importance to specify audience and purpose and to select appropriate communication choices;
identify and appropriately apply modes of expression, i.e., descriptive, expositive, narrative, scientific, and self-expressive, in written, visual, and oral communication;
apply principles of writing as a process and the analysis of audience and purpose to writing assignments;
apply basic principles of critical thinking, problem solving, and technical proficiency in the development of expositions and argument;
apply critical analysis to a piece of literature;
develop the ability to research and write and MLA style document paper and give an oral presentation;
demonstrate the speaking process through invention, organization, drafting, revision, editing, and presentation;
participate effectively in groups with emphasis on listening, critical and reflective thinking, and responding.

[ II ] MATHEMATICS
4 credits

MATH 1414 College Algebra
MATH 2413 Calculus I

The objective of the Mathematics Component of the Core Curriculum is to develop a quantitatively literate college graduate. Every college graduate should be able to apply basic mathematical tools in the solution of real-world problems.

Through the Mathematics Components of the Core Curriculum, the competencies which the student will be able to demonstrate are to:

apply arithmetic, algebraic, geometric, higher order thinking, and statistical methods to modeling and solving real-world situations;
access and evaluate basic mathematical information verbally, numerically, graphically, and symbolically;
demonstrate mathematical reasoning skills and formal logic to develop convincing mathematical arguments;
use appropriate technology to enhance mathematical thinking and understanding and to solve mathematical problems and just the reasonableness of the results;
interpret mathematical models such as formulas, graphs, tables, and schematics, and draw inferences from them;
determine the limitations of mathematical and statistical models;
develop the view that mathematics is an evolving discipline, interrelated with human culture, and understand its connections to other disciplines.

[ III ] NATURAL SCIENCES
8 credits

BIOL     1408   General Biology I
BIOL     1409   General Biology II
CHEM 1411   General Chemistry I
CHEM 1412   General Chemistry II
PHYS    1401   College Physics I
PHYS    1402   College Physics II
PHYS    1415   Physical Science I
PHSY    1417   Physical Science II
GEOL   1403   General Geology I
GEOL   1404   General Geology II

The objective of the Natural Sciences Component of the Core Curriculum is to enable the student to understand, construct, and evaluate empirical relationships in the natural science and to understand the basis for theory-building and testing.

Through the Natural Sciences Component of the Core Curriculum, the competencies which the student will be able to demonstrate are to:

relate and apply method and appropriate technology to the study of natural sciences;
identify scientific and quantitative methods and the differences between these approaches and other methods of inquiry and to communicate findings, analyses, and interpretation both orally and in writing;
demonstrate knowledge of the major issues that touch upon ethics and values and public policies;
demonstrate knowledge of the interdependence of science and technology and their influence on, and contribution to modern culture.

[ IV ] HUMANITIES AND VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS

Visual and Performing Arts
    3 credits

ARTS 1301     Art Appreciation
ARTS 1303     Art History
ARTS 1304     Art History II
ARTS 1306     Music Appreciation
DRAM 1310   Theater Appreciation

The objective of the study of the Visual and Performing Arts Component of the Core Curriculum is to enable the student to understand and employ creative processes in the production of visual arts, the production of performing arts and to develop an aesthetic awareness and appreciation of the arts.

The objective of the Humanities and Visual and Performing Arts is to expand students' knowledge of the human condition and human cultures, especially in relation to behaviors, ideas, and values expressed in works of human imagination and thought. Through study in disciplines such as literature, philosophy, and the visual and performing arts, students will engage in critical analysis, form aesthetic judgments, and develop an appreciation of the arts and humanities as fundamental to the health and survival of any society.

Through the Visual and Performing Arts Component of the Core Curriculum, the competencies which the student will be able to demonstrate are to:

explain the aesthetics that govern the arts;

explain historical developments of the arts and their roles as catalyst and transmitter of cultural values; analyze artworks;

produce artworks or interpretive performances and comprehend the physical and intellectual demands required of the artist;

explain the influence that literature, philosophy, and the arts have on multiculturalism.

Humanities
    3 credits

ENGL   2300   Introduction to Literature
ENGL   2321   English Literature
ENGL   2326   American Literature
ENGL   2331   World Literature
ENGL   2399   Special Topics in Literature
PHIL     1301   Introduction to Philosophy
PHIL     2303   Introduction to Logic
PHIL     2306   Ethics
PHIL     2307   Introduction to Social Philosophy
HUMA 1301   Introduction to Humanities I
SPAN    2313   Beginning Spanish I-Native Speaker

The objective of the Literature Component of the Core Curriculum is to introduce the student to the systematic study of literary texts in context which emphasizes both critical reading and writing and introduces students to areas of study which enlarge their knowledge and appreciation of the multicultural and multiracial world in which they live.

It also expands the students' knowledge of the human condition and human cultures, especially in relation to behaviors, ideas, and values expressed in works of human imagination and thought. Students will engage in critical analysis, form aesthetic judgments and develop an appreciation of the arts and humanities as fundamental to health and survival of any society. The student will be able to;

identify the characteristics of major genres;

demonstrate the critical contexts within which literature is created and evaluated; e.g., biographical, cultural and historical;

distinguish among the genres of non-fiction, fiction, poetry and drama;

apply literary criticisms to texts;

explain literature works in the arts and humanities in writing;

demonstrate knowledge of those elements and processes that create and define culture;

define the bases of values, beliefs, and practices found in human societies;

develop basic cross-cultural understanding, empathy and communication;

define the responsibilities of living in a multi/cultural world;

demonstrate knowledge of the development of language (s) and their influences on cross-cultural interactions;

distinguish the underlying unity of diverse cultural expressions;

develop a basis for critically examining differing view points.

[ V ] SOCIAL AND BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES

The objective of the Social and Behavioral Science Component is to increase students' knowledge of how social and behavioral scientists discover, describe, and explain the behaviors and interactions among individuals, groups, institutions, events and ideas. Such knowledge will better equip students to understand themselves and the roles they play in addressing the issues facing humanity.

U.S. History
    6 credits

HIST 1301   U.S. History I
HIST 1302   U.S. History II

The objective of studying history is to analyze the past. Through the Core Curriculum Component in History, students will learn to understand past events and patterns of historical development by engaging historical evidence and the interpretations of historians.

Through the History Component of the Core Curriculum the competencies which the student will be able to demonstrate are to:

interpret and appraise different types of historical evidence (documentary and scientific) and differing historical points of view;
weigh and explain reasonable criteria for the acceptability of historical evidence;
summarize and appraise historical texts (primary and secondary0 critically and synthesize them for oral and written discussion;
appraise historical, social, political, economic, cultural, diplomatic and global forces in the area under study;
comprehend the origins and evolution of U.S. and Texas political systems, with a focus on the growth of political institutions, the constitutions of the U.S. and Texas, federalism, civil liberties civil and human rights;
demonstrate an understanding of the evolution and current role of the U.S.;
demonstrate and understanding of the roles of choices and of cause and effect in history;
assess the use and the potential misuse of historical analogies in contemporary situations;
analyze, critically assess, and develop creative solutions to public policy problems;
practice, recognize and assume one's responsibility as a citizen in a democratic society by learning to think for oneself, by engaging in public discourse, and by obtaining information through the news media and other appropriate information sources about politics and public policy;
appraise and identify differences and commonalties with diverse cultures.

Political Science
    6 credits

GOVT 2301   American Government I
GOVT 2302   American Government II

Social and Behavioral Sciences
    3 credits

PSYC 2301     General Psychology
PSYC 2314     Life Span Growth and Development
SOCI 1301     Introduction to Sociology
CRIJ 1301     Introduction to Criminal Justice
SOCW 2361   Introduction to Social Work
GOVT 2304   Introduction to Political Science
GOVT 2389   Academic Cooperative in Social Science
ANTH 2301   Physical Anthropology (Human Evolution)
ANTH 2351   Cultural Anthropology

The objective of the Social and Behavioral Science Component of the Core Curriculum is to increase students' knowledge of human behavior, interaction, and the political, psychological, and sociological factors influencing both individual and social growth and development. Such knowledge should include: an understanding of the scientific methods used in studying human behavior and interaction; relationships among individual, groups, institutions, events, and ideas; as well as the occupations and careers awaiting those who choose a major in the social and behavioral sciences.

Through the Social and Behavioral Sciences Component of the Core Curriculum the competencies which the student will be able to demonstrate are to:

use appropriate methods, technologies, and data that social and behavioral scientists use to investigate the human condition, including critical analysis of the validity and reliability of historical evidence and research concerning the various stages and types of psychological and sociological development;

differentiate the influence of social institutions and processes across a range of historical periods, social structures, and cultures on the evolution of individuals and societies;

identify significant differences between diverse cultural groups in our society;

compare and contrast the strengths and weaknesses of alternative systems of theories;

interpret alternative explanations or solutions for contemporary social and public policy issues;

explain the influence of historical, social, political, economic, cultural, and global forces on an area of study;

illustrate the origins, evolution, and operation of U.S. and Texas political systems, with a focus on the growth of political institutions, the constitutions of the U.S. and Texas federalism, civil liberties, and civil rights;

explain the evolution and current role of the U.S. in the world;

recognize and assume one's responsibility as a citizen in a democratic society by learning to think for oneself, engaging in public discourse, and using state-of-the-art information gathering systems to stay aware of current public policy.

[ VI ] COMPUTER SCIENCE
    3 Credits

COSC 1301   Microcomputer Applications
COSC 1309   Logic Design
COSC 1315   Fundamentals of Programming
COSC 1318   Computer Science - Programming I
BCIS   1332   COBOL Programming

The objective of the Computer Science component of the Core Curriculum is to enable students to identify and use microcomputer hardware and software.

Through the Computer Science component of the Core Curriculum, the competencies which the student will demonstrate are to:

determine the appropriate choice of software and word processors, electronic spreadsheets, databases, operating systems and the Internet for workplace and educational applications;

apply the appropriate choice of software to produce reports, presentations, etc., by the use of analytical thinking and the integration of different software applications;

identify and demonstrate appropriate users of computer hardware including peripheral devices;

explain the functions of microcomputer systems components which include memory, the CPU, hard drive, monitor, etc;

research computer-related topics using the Internet and the library and, by using critical thinking and technical proficiency skills, write a document research paper.

HUMANITIES ELECTIVE OPTIONS

The following list of courses may be taken to fulfill the Humanities Elective requirements in the Associate of Applied Science degrees.

Literature*
    ENGL 2300   Introduction to Literature
    ENGL 2321   English Literature
    ENGL 2326   American Literature
    ENGL 2331   World Literature
    ENGL 2399   Special Topics in Literature

Foreign Language
    SPAN 2313   Beginning Spanish I (for native speakers)
    SPAN 2315   Beginning Spanish II (for native speakers)

Drama
    DRAM 1310   Theater Appreciation

Art
    ARTS 1301   Arts Appreciation
    ARTS 1301   Art History I
    ARTS 1304   Art History II

Music
   MUSI 1306   Music Appreciation

Philosophy
   PHIL 1301   Introduction to Philosophy
    PHIL 2303   Introduction to Logic
    PHIL 2306   Ethics
    PHIL 2307   Introduction to Social Philosophy

Humanities
   HUMA 1301   Introduction to Humanities I
   HUMA   1302   Introduction to Humanities II

* Check for prerequisities

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DISCLAIMER: We do our best to keep all material in these pages up-to-date. However, remember that STCC is a rapidly growing college that is improving every day. Programs, course descriptions, and other types of information change often. Please check your course catalog or with Student Support Services for the most current and precise information.

Core Curriculum (2000-2002)

Core Course Components

[ I ] COMMUNICATION

[ II ] MATHEMATICS 4 credits

[ III ] NATURAL SCIENCES 8 credits

[ IV ] HUMANITIES AND VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS

[ V ] SOCIAL AND BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES

[ VI ] COMPUTER SCIENCE 3 Credits

HUMANITIES ELECTIVE OPTIONS

[ II ] MATHEMATICS
4 credits

[ III ] NATURAL SCIENCES
8 credits

[ VI ] COMPUTER SCIENCE
3 Credits